Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Frequency and Correlates of Fathers' Accommodation in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders
Ena Alcan1, Tess Anderson2, Eli R Lebowitz2
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychopathology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Gutenbergstraße 18, 35037, Marburg, Germany. ena.alcan@uni-marburg.de.
Abstract:
Previous studies investigating family accommodation (FA) in pediatric anxiety disorders have primarily relied on mothers' reports, while data on FA by fathers remains scarce. We examined the frequency and correlates of fathers' FA of anxious children and compared fathers' and mothers' reports of FA. Participants were 69 parents of treatment-seeking children and adolescents with a primary anxiety disorder. FA was highly prevalent amongst fathers, with the majority of fathers participating in symptom-related behaviors and modifying family routines due to child anxiety. Fathers' accommodation levels were significantly correlated with fathers' reports of child internalizing symptoms, child externalizing symptoms, and fathers' own anxiety symptoms. Fathers' and mothers' reports of FA were moderately correlated, whereas their reports of their respective distress related to the need to accommodate were only weakly correlated. Fathers reported a significantly lower frequency of FA than did mothers. These findings highlight the importance of obtaining reports from both fathers and mothers when assessing FA. Results are particularly relevant to family-focused and parent-based interventions designed to address and reduce FA amongst parents of clinically anxious children.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Panic Disorder
Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Social Anxiety Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....

